Crude Oil
Crude oil, also known as petroleum, is a naturally occurring, liquid, black or brown hydrocarbon formed from the remains of ancient plants that have been subjected to high pressure and temperature deep under the Earth’s surface. It is a key resource for the production of transportation fuels, petrochemicals, and other industrial products.
Composition:– Average composition: 85-90% hydrocarbons, 5-10% sulfur, 1-2% oxygen, 0.1-0.5% nitrogen, 0.05-0.1% ash- Hydrocarbons include alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and cycloalkanes.- Sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen are impurities that can affect the quality and refining of crude oil.
Uses:– Transportation fuels: About 90% of crude oil is used for transportation fuels, including gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel.- Petrochemicals: Crude oil is a major source of chemicals used in the production of plastics, fertilizers, and other chemicals.- Industrial products: Crude oil is used to produce fuels for industrial processes, such as heating oil and industrial solvents.
Extraction:– Crude oil is extracted from oil wells, usually located in sedimentary rock formations.- Extraction methods include conventional drilling, high-pressure steam injection, and enhanced oil recovery techniques.
Refining:– Crude oil is refined into various products, including gasoline, diesel fuel, petrochemicals, and asphalt.- Refining processes include distillation, cracking, and reforming.
Market:– Crude oil is a global commodity traded on international markets.- The price of crude oil has a significant impact on world economies.
Environmental impact:– Oil spills are a major environmental hazard associated with crude oil production and transportation.- Crude oil extraction and refining processes can also have environmental impacts, such as air pollution and water contamination.
Additional notes:– Crude oil is a non-renewable resource.- Reserves of crude oil are estimated to be finite, and the depletion of resources is a long-term concern.- Crude oil is a political commodity, and its price can be highly influenced by political events.
